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Across the nation, more and more states are coming around to fix the injustices and intrusions on liberty committed through civil asset forfeiture. Just this month, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Nebraska have all taken steps to change their own asset forfeiture proceedings. Recently, a bill was introduced in the Delaware State Senate that may just make the First State the next state to adopt asset forfeiture reform.

Last week, Delaware became the latest in growing number of states to push for the ability of parents to opt their children out of the Smarter Balanced Assessment tests. These tests were implemented as part of the increasingly unpopular Common Core education standards, but parents and teachers alike have been dissatisfied with the amount of time and focus going into test preparation as opposed to more traditional teaching, involving individualized interaction between teachers and students.

School choice is sweeping the nation, and Delaware is up next! Today, Delaware Governor Jack Markell will be signing education reform into law to open up better educational opportunities for children in that state.

This Saturday FreedomWorks will be hosting a Get Out The Vote Training Seminar in Philadelphia. Come spend the day learning the secrets to successful campaigning and grassroots efforts from the FreedomWorks experts.
WHEN: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday, July 31
WHERE: SMOKEATER’S PUB – 7681 Frankford Ave
COST: $30 payment at the time of registration; including lunch and training materials.
If you’re a patriot living in Philadelphia or the area you do not want to miss this!

Today over 60 activists from the Philadelphia area, Virginia and Delaware will be coming to Washington to receive formal grassroots policy training with regards to the ongoing healthcare debate before heading to Capitol Hill in hopes of swaying politicians still on the fence. The activists are expected to arrive at 10 am and will meet with FreedomWorks Vice President of Public Policy, Max Pappas for a robust exercise on the ins and outs of ObamaCare, with a strong focus on the recently released House bill, the $1.5 trillion America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.

Delaware is the latest state to jump on the tax hike bandwagon with a plan to raise taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to bridge a looming budget gap. These so-called “sin taxes” seem to be the first place politicians go for some quick cash anytime they can’t pay the bills. Take Action and urge your lawmakers to oppose tax hikes and pursue real long-term growth policies.A recent proposal would raise alcohol taxes by two cents per 12-ounce can of beer, three cents per 5-ounce serving of wine, and 15 cents per bottle of liquor. The state cigarette tax would see a $.45/pack hike.Delaware doesn’t need to go down the path of higher taxes that nickel-and-dime citizens. State legislators need only look up I-95 to New Jersey to see the effect cigarette tax hikes have on the budget. A Heartland Institute study shows that for two years running, the tax hikes have led to reduced revenues, not the millions the state was banking on. New Jersey was left with a still gaping budget hole and businesses were hurt as smokers turned to the Internet, Indian Reservations, and the black market for lower priced cigarettes. This is a common scenario when legislators go after a minority of citizens for the funding woes of a state. The picture is the same when you look at alcohol taxes. Raising those taxes hurts businesses as well. Already, the hospitality industry is bleeding jobs during this economic downturn. The last thing they need is higher taxes!Governor Markell is hoping these proposals bring in over $20 million, a drop in the bucket when Delaware is facing an $800 million gap for 2010. But looking at other states who have tried the same tax and spend schemes, that money won’t be there and taxpayers will be again left holding the bag – only now with a much bigger price tag. Take Action and tell your legislators to avoid these tax gimmicks altogether. Delaware has a great history of tax competition and economic liberty that has allowed that state to thrive. Keeping spending in check is a far better way to maintain long-term growth than going down the tax-hike road where other states have become stuck.